1st Edition

Insect Molecular Biology and Ecology

Edited By Klaus H. Hoffmann Copyright 2015
    428 Pages
    by CRC Press

    428 Pages 9 Color & 62 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Insects represent the most abundant and diverse animal group on Earth. The number of described species is more than one million and up to ten million are estimated. Insects have one of the widest distributions in the world because they have adapted to extreme ranges of environments.



    Molecular ecology studies ecological processes based on the analysis of biomacromolecules, particularly DNA, RNA, and proteins, but also of low-molecular weight signal compounds. Molecular ecology uses the exciting opportunities offered by the tools of molecular biology.



    The book presents current entomological research, where molecular tools help to advance traditional ecological studies. Chapters include ones on insect–insect and insect–plant interactions, on mechanisms of environmental adaptation, or on the use of insect biotechnology in pest and vector control. The book helps to combine powerful methods in molecular biology with exciting issues in ecology to understand why insects became "masters of survival."

    Mechanisms of Polyphenism in Insects. Toxins, Defensive Compounds and Drugs from Insects. Insect Bioluminescence in the Post-Molecular Biology Era. A Glance on the Role of miRNAs in Insect Life. Advances in Insect Physiology and Endocrinology through Genomics and Peptidomics. Neuropeptide Signaling and RNA Interference. Insect Photoperiodism. Insects in Winter: Metabolism and Regulation of Cold Hardiness. Evolutionary Ecology of Insect Immunity. The Coleopteran Gut and Targets for Pest Control. Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor (TMOF) and Insect Biotechnology. RNAi Based Functional Analysis of Biosynthetic Enzymes and Transport Proteins Involved in the Chemical Defense of Juvenile Leaf Beetles. Silks from Insects – From Natural Diversities to Technical Applications.

    Biography

    Klaus H. Hoffmann